THE 22nd INTERNATIONAL MASS SPECTROMETRY CONFERENCE

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR AND THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE OF THE 22^nd INTERNATIONAL MASS SPECTROMETRY CONFERENCE (IMSC) 2018.

On behalf of the Division of Mass Spectrometry (DSM) of the Italian Chemical Society, we would like to welcome you to the 22^nd International Mass Spectrometry Conference 2018 in Florence.

IMSC is not new in Florence. In fact its seventh edition was hosted in this town in 1976, many years ago. During the decades mass spectrometry has developed a lot in Italy in many fields with top level scientists.
After 42 years, the city of Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is ready to host the 22^nd edition of IMSC which will be the occasion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this conference.
The IMSC2018 venue is the historic "Fortezza da Basso", a masterpiece of Renaissance military architecture, built in 1534-1537, fully restored and located downtown, a few steps away from many hotels and all the attractions (museums, theatres, monuments, etc) of the city.

As all the previous editions, IMSC 2018 will cover all aspects of mass spectrometry, from fundamentals to instrumentation and applications.
The conference is organized with short courses, tutorial lectures, oral and poster sessions, workshops, awards, commercial exhibition, social program (including a welcome mixer, the social dinner in an exclusive place, and a program for accompanying persons), and companies user meetings. All of them will be defined shortly.

We think that IMSC 2018 will be an useful occasion to enjoy science, network and meet old friends or new colleagues, to get new ideas for your job, for establishing new collaborations, starting new projects,... in the unique charm, amazing history and culture of Florence!

The city does not need a lot of presentation: it is an open sky museum with a unique historical heritage, a green, small, clean and safe city with a Mediterranean climate. The city can be easily reached from all over Europe, through the city airport or those in Pisa and Bologna.

Florence has a University, founded in 1321, and many industries, among them the most important Italian fashion and leather goods brands which were born in Florence.

You will find very friendly and open people and, last but nor least, many occasions to taste delicious and healthy food accompanied by the very famous Tuscan and Supertuscan wines!

Pre- and post-conference tours offer you the opportunity to enjoy and visit different towns and magnificent places in Tuscany (Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, natural thermal places,...) and in Italy (Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre,...).

We do wish IMSC 2018 will be an important experience, not only from a scientific standpoint, but also for relationships, discussions, talks, social events... in the special atmosphere of Florence.

Please come and give your important contribution to make IMSC2018 a successful, amazing and unforgettable conference!!